Handy Tips to Help You With Choosing the Best Multivitamin

Having several options at hand, the task of finding the best multivitamin may not come so easy. This article gives you a few pointers on how to go about it.

Madhavi Ghare

Last Updated: May 31, 2018

A multivitamin ideally contains a dosage of several vitamins and minerals that your body requires. However, as there are different types of multivitamins, one finds it difficult to zero down on a single one among all the different brands available.

Points to Consider

➚ The first thing you need to understand is that a multivitamin is only to be taken in case you suffer from deficiency of any nutrient. Therefore, it is wise to consult the doctor first. The doctor, after conducting the required tests, will be the best person to determine what vitamins and minerals you actually require. With this information, he will be able to prescribe the correct multivitamin for you. It is always suggested that any kind of nutrient supplement should be taken only after consulting the doctor.

➚ Secondly, the person's age, gender, health and overall lifestyle is also taken into consideration before prescribing a proper multivitamin. There are different multivitamins to suit different needs. The vitamin requirements are different for men, women and children of various ages. People over 50 years of age will need more vitamin D, B12 and calcium. Pregnant women need more folic acid, iron, zinc and calcium. Therefore, it is wise to see the label if it specifies something like a "suitable for" information.

➚ It is also essential to check the amounts of vitamins included in a single dose or pill. Secondly, you should also check if it is free from additives, and does not contain any substances that you are allergic to. The multivitamin should be natural, and should not contain any dyes and contaminants. You should look for a certification that the product is free from mercury and lead. The multivitamin pill should also provide you with minerals and vitamins while surviving the acids present in the digestive system. The minerals and vitamins should, ideally, not get destroyed in your digestive tract.

Tips for Choosing the Best Multivitamin

➚ You should look for vitamins that have 100% of the Daily Value. These vitamins should contain B complex vitamins, vitamin C and folic acid.

➚ The content of vitamin A and D should be specifically checked. Both these vitamins are fat soluble vitamins and tend to get stored in the body.

➚ Similarly, it is not wise to take iron or calcium supplements, unless you suffer from their deficiency.

➚ If you are looking for the best multivitamins for skin, then look for a pill that contains vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins, specially, help in treating acne and having a smooth skin.

➚ Vitamins D and K, and calcium are the essential constituents of multivitamins for women over 50 years of age. Vitamin D and calcium is required for having stronger bones.

➚ They are available in different forms like tablets, capsules, powders, etc. Therefore, you can look for the one that is suitable to you.

➚ Lastly, one of the most important tip to remember is that multivitamins need to be taken only in prescribed amounts. Overdose of any nutrient can be dangerous and can lead to severe side effects.

The process of choosing multivitamin pills is, therefore, quite challenging. But, the best trial of its success is that it should suit you and benefit you. If within 30 days, the pill doesn't make much of a difference in your life, then experts suggest switching to another brand.

Overall, it is also suggested that a multivitamin pill is not the only answer for getting essential nutrients that your body needs. You must have a good and healthy diet that includes regular intake of vegetables and fruits. Lastly, remember, nothing beats natural and real food!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.